CVE-2007-6542 in Arcadem
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in admin/frontpage_right.php in Arcadem LE 2.04 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the loadadminpage parameter.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/03/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-6542 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Arcadem LE 2.04 content management system and earlier versions. This security weakness resides within the admin/frontpage_right.php script where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user input before incorporating it into file inclusion operations. The vulnerability specifically affects the loadadminpage parameter which is directly used in a file inclusion mechanism without adequate input sanitization, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary URLs that can be executed as PHP code.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation practices within the application's codebase, which aligns with CWE-98 - Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection') and CWE-20 - Improper Input Validation. When an attacker supplies a malicious URL through the loadadminpage parameter, the application treats this input as a legitimate file path and attempts to include it, effectively executing any PHP code contained within the remote resource. This behavior demonstrates a fundamental failure in the application's security architecture to separate user-controllable input from executable code paths, creating a direct code execution vector.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass full system compromise capabilities. Attackers can leverage this weakness to upload and execute malicious PHP scripts, potentially gaining complete control over the affected server. The vulnerability enables unauthorized access to sensitive data, system files, and database credentials while allowing for persistent backdoor installation. This represents a severe threat to web application security as it provides attackers with the means to establish long-term access and conduct further reconnaissance or lateral movement within the network infrastructure.
Organizations utilizing Arcadem LE 2.04 or earlier versions should implement immediate mitigations including patching to the latest available version which addresses this vulnerability. The remediation strategy should involve input validation and sanitization of all user-controllable parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. Security measures should include implementing proper parameter validation using allowlists, employing secure coding practices that prevent dynamic code execution, and applying web application firewalls to monitor and filter malicious requests. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by restricting file inclusion capabilities to only essential functions and ensuring proper access controls are implemented to prevent unauthorized modifications to critical application components. This vulnerability exemplifies the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and MITRE ATT&CK framework categories related to code injection and privilege escalation techniques.